Dutch say Pisa no longer Europe's most leaning tower

The Tower of Pisa is being challenged by a lesser-known 12th Century building, in the northern Dutch town of Bedum, as Europe's most steeply leaning tower.

Retired geometrician Jacob van Dijk said measurements this week on Bedum's 36-metre church tower of Walfridus revealed it is now leaning more than its Italian rival, which lost part of its tilt following restoration works.

At a height of 55.86 metres, Pisa's tower leans about 4 metres, while Bedum's tower leans 2.61 metres at a height of 35.7 metres.

If both towers were the same height, Bedum would have a greater tilt of 6 cm, Mr Van Dijk argues.

"In Italy they're happy with the result, but here in Bedum we are much more happy, because the tower of Pisa is now leaning less than the tower of Bedum," Mr Van Dijk said.